Everything College Admissions

Jed ApplerouthMS Professional Counseling

PhD Student Educational Psychology

Admissions FactorsWhat are colleges looking for?

Understand the Needs of Colleges and Universities

If you understand institutional

priorities, you can craft an application

that makes you more appealing.

Key Institutional Needs When Constructing a Class

• Financial Health- Managing discount rate- Development- Legacy

• Rankings: Staying on Par with Peer Schools- Academic strength of

applicants

Key Institutional Needs Cont’d…

• Diversity- Ethnic- Geographic- Serving first-generation students

• Activities and Campus Life- Athletics- Fine and performing arts

NACAC Admissions Trends Survey 2012: Factors Influencing Admissions

decisionsImportance Considerabl

eModerat

eLimited None

Grades in college prep 86.5% 11.5% 1.6% 0.3%

Strength of curriculum 70.7 22.0 5.9 1.3

Admission test scores 57.8 32.0 9.2 1.0

Grades in all courses 45.6 43.9 9.8 0.7

Essay or writing sample 26.4 37.5 19.9 16.3

Demonstrated interest 20.7 27.0 27.6 24.7

Teacher recommendation 17.4 47.7 23.7 11.2

Counselor rec. 17.1 50.0 22.0 10.9

Class rank 16.3 42.2 31.7 9.8

Extracurricular activities 8.9 43.9 34.3 12.9

Subject test scores (AP, IB) 7.0 27.2 33.6 32.2

Extracurricular activities 8.9 43.9 34.3 12.9

Interview 6.6 26.3 31.9 35.2

SAT II scores 5.0 11.0 28.0 56.0

Admissions ProcessWhat happens to my application

after I submit it?

Application “Gates”

High School GPA,

considering strength of

schedule and school

Admissions Essays

Teacher/Counselor Recommendations

Activities (Leadership, Depth)

SAT

ACT

SAT Subject Tests

Academic Index: Quantitative Components

How will they read your application?

Qualitative Components

Have you told a cohesive story?

How Most Colleges Evaluate Applicants

Step 1: Academic Indexing

• Applications are indexed through an algorithm that typically includes:– Course rigor– Grades in core classes– Test scores– School strength

• Schools assign different weights to these factors, but core GPA and course rigor often trump testing

The Academic Index Impacts the “Read” a Student Receives

class size

Is there a compelling reason not to give an offer to these students?

Is there a compelling reason to take a risk on these students?

The real work for the admissions committee – the kids in the middle

Top of the index

Bottom of the index

How Most Colleges Evaluate Applicants Continued…

Step 2*: Involvement/Leadership Evaluation

• Student résumé • Extra Curricular Activities• Leadership positions (depth) trump variety (breadth)

*The factors in Steps 2 and 3 are considered only if the student’s academic index justifies a holistic read

Step 3: Consider Other, Qualitative Factors

• Adversity• Contributions to the community• Diversity• Awards and recognitions• Personality and voice• Student’s self-awareness or insights, as

demonstrated through the essays or letters of recommendation

How Most Colleges Evaluate Applicants Continued…

AcademicsHow will colleges view my

transcript?

Balance Course Rigor and GPA

To strike the right balance, consider:

- Past performance- In-school commitments- Other commitments

Encourage students to take a challenging curriculum in the context of your school

It is never too late to improve your grades. It may be tough to change your cumulative GPA first semester senior year, but an upward

trend can help with admissions --

especially if you can explain the change

with a compelling narrative.

Grade Trends are Essential

Competition within Cohorts

You are compared to other students at your school; you are also compared within ethnicity and

gender bands

Calibrate the Relative Importance of GPA

• Grade inflation is rampant in the US• With so much aid money on the line,

many teachers feel that giving a C is like taking money out of a student’s pocket

• Some students get too caught up in GPA, an unstandardized metric, and ignore testing, which is standardized

TestingShould I take the SAT or the ACT?

How Important are the Tests?

Over the last decade, the tests have become a more significant part of the

application process, affecting both admissions and merit-based

scholarship decisions.

NACAC Admissions Trends Survey 2012: Factors Influencing Admissions

decisionsImportance Considerabl

eModerat

eLimited None

Grades in college prep 86.5% 11.5% 1.6% 0.3%

Strength of curriculum 70.7 22.0 5.9 1.3

Admission test scores 57.8 32.0 9.2 1.0

Grades in all courses 45.6 43.9 9.8 0.7

Essay or writing sample 26.4 37.5 19.9 16.3

Demonstrated interest 20.7 27.0 27.6 24.7

Teacher recommendation 17.4 47.7 23.7 11.2

Counselor rec. 17.1 50.0 22.0 10.9

Class rank 16.3 42.2 31.7 9.8

Extracurricular activities 8.9 43.9 34.3 12.9

Subject test scores (AP, IB) 7.0 27.2 33.6 32.2

Extracurricular activities 8.9 43.9 34.3 12.9

Interview 6.6 26.3 31.9 35.2

SAT II scores 5.0 11.0 28.0 56.0

Why Testing Has Increased in Importance

• Standardized, which allows for easy comparison across geographic & demographic lines

• A hedge against grade inflation

• Efficient way to make big cuts

• Moderately useful predictor of success in college

Quick Intro to the Assessments

Aptitude Achievement

SAT/ACT Geographic Origins

Berkeley, CA.First ETS branch 1948

Princeton, NJ.ETS HQ 1947

The SAT was first on the scene.

1948Berkeley, CA.First ETS branch

1947Princeton, NJ.ETS HQ

SAT/ACT Geographic Origins

1959 Iowa City, IAACT HQ

The ACT claimed the Heartland.

Today the SAT and ACT are universally accepted

Any college will take either the SAT or ACT without prejudice

Colleges will accept either test without

prejudice.

The ACT Has Rocked the SAT’s World!

SAT ACT Gap

2005 1,475,623 1,186,251 289,372

2006 1,465,744 1,206,455 259,289

2007 1,494,531 1,300,599 193,932

2008 1,518,859 1,421,941 96,918

2009 1,530,128 1,480,469 49,659

2010 1,597,329 1,568,835 28,494

2011 1,647,123 1,623,112 24,011

2012 1,664,479 *1,666,209 -1,7301997

19981999

20002001

20022003

20042005

20062007

20082009

20102011

2012 900,000

1,000,000

1,100,000

1,200,000

1,300,000

1,400,000

1,500,000

1,600,000

1,700,000

ACTSAT

Any college will take either the SAT or ACT without prejudice

Aligning with the Common Core has made the ACT the big winner!

A Quick Anatomy of the Tests

• Abstract• Foreign• Easier to coach • Learn the language of, solve the mysteries of the test

• Concrete• Familiar• Comparatively less coachable • Practice, get more familiar with the test

ACTSAT

Deeper Comparison: Reading

Simple,straight forward, more academic

Geometry

Algebra I

Trigonometry

SAT ACT

• Abstract

• Analogous Thinking

• Interpretation

• How might the author respond?

• Vocabulary matters

• Straightforward

• Content-based

• What did I read?

• What happened to the character?

• Vocabulary relatively less important

Deeper Comparison: Math

Simple,straight forward, more academic

Geometry

Algebra I

Trigonometry

SAT ACT

• Covers Geometry, Algebra I, and Algebra II (advanced functions and graphs)

• Unique language, trick-filled questions

• Covers Geometry, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Trigonometry

• More straight-forward and familiar question types

Deeper Comparison: English/Writing

Simple,straight forward, more academic

Geometry

Algebra I

Trigonometry

SAT ACT

• Counts for most students

• Essay is lumped together with the multiple choice to get the total writing score

• Counts for all students

• Essay is optional (but you should complete it)

Deeper Comparison: Science

Simple,straight forward, more academic

Geometry

Algebra I

Trigonometry

SAT ACT

• Does not exist. • Primarily graph and table analysis

• Counts towards composite score

Deeper Comparison: Timing

Simple,straight forward, more academic

Geometry

Algebra I

Trigonometry

SAT ACT

• This is the marathon. Speed is relatively less important, but the test is 10 sections and 3.75 hours long!

• This is the sprint. The test is only 4 sections and just under 3 hours long (without the optional essay); however, many students have trouble finishing.

Deeper Comparison: Guessing

Simple,straight forward, more academic

Geometry

Algebra I

Trigonometry

SAT ACT

• Students lose a quarter of a point for each question they miss, so blind guessing is penalized on the SAT

• Students lose nothing for missed questions, so it’s a good idea to “Christmas tree” questions they can’t answer in time

Deeper Comparison: Scoring

Geometry

Algebra I

Trigonometry

SAT ACT

• Section scores range from 200-800

• Overall score ranges from 600-2400

• Overall score equals sum of the section scores

• Section scores range from 9-36

• Overall scores range from 9-36

• Overall score equals average of the section scores

Schools are more likely to “superscore” the SAT!

GA and Regional Schools25-75% Ranges

Critical Reading Math Writing ACT

GA Southern 510 590 510 600 21 24

GSU 490 590 490 590 21 25

UGA 560 660 570 660 560 660 24 29

GA tech 590 690 650 730 580 670 27 31

Emory 640 740 670 760 650 740 30 33

Charleston 570 650 570 650 23 26

Furman 590 690 590 680 590 680 26 30

Clemson 550 640 590 680 25 30

Wake Forest 610 690 630 710 27 31

Duke 660 750 680 790 680 780 29 34

The middle 50% will give you a range of scores

Which Test Should I Try First?

• Both, ideally, to establish dual baselines

• Three-Step Analysis:– 1. Start with your STRENGTH. If none,– 2. Prep to your PREFERENCE. If still

none,– 3. Choose the more COACHABLE test,

the SAT.

• If SAT prep is not yielding results, switch to the ACT. If you have to switch, 80% of the content transfers

What about the PSAT?

Does the PSAT Matter?

• Only if you are a junior on the cusp of the National Merit Scholarship.

• If you earn a 180+ on the PSAT in your sophomore year, it might be worthwhile to prep before you take the test as a junior.

• If not, look at the PSAT as practice.

Subject Questions Minutes Questions Minutes

Critical Reading 48 50 67 70

Sentence completions 13 19

Reading comp. 35 48

Math 38 50 54 70

Pre-Algebra/Algebra

Geometry

Algebra 2 - -

Writing 39 30 49 60

Grammar 39 49

Essay - -

Experimental - - 25

Total 125 2:10 170 3:45

vs.PSAT SAT

Translating PSAT to SAT Score

11th-GradePSAT Score

Estimated 11th-Grade SAT Score Ranges*

SAT Critical Reading

SAT Math SAT Writing

20 230-330 220-310 230-330

25 250-360 250-350 260-370

30 290-400 280-390 300-410

35 330-450 330-440 340-450

40 370-490 370-480 380-500

45 420-530 420-530 420-540

50 460-600 460-600 470-630

55 510-650 510-650 510-680

60 550-690 560-690 550-720

65 600-740 600-740 590-750

70 650-780 640-770 630-780

75 690-800 680-790 670-800

*Data from The College Board

Rule of Thumb: To get an SAT score from a PSAT score,

add a zero. A 210 on the

PSAT is like a 2100 on the

SAT.

National Merit Scholarship Selection Index:

CR + M + W

This is a very competitive score! Roughly top 2% of students in the state.

For Georgia, the 2012 Selection Index

for National Merit was 218.

Example: 72CR + 74M + 72W

How do I prep most effectively?

Momentum: Go in Strong

• Don’t spread this out evenly over the year; kids can and do burn out on testing

• Go hard before the actual tests• Take a mock test within a month

of every real test

• Give students breaks and time away from prep

Allow Enough Time to Prep

• This is a process, not a one-shot deal.

• Cram jobs almost never work.

• Plan on taking the test 3 times.

• It’s smart to start early!

Mock Tests: You MUST Practice

These tests reveal:• Wrong answer patterns

(carelessness)• Time management• Mental fatigue• Guessing efficacy

It’s not JUST about the content. The process is about 50%!

No Easy or Hard test Dates!

Historic SAT Data 2006-2012

Reading Math Writing Total StudentsOctober 592 595 596 1782 1359November 585 603 609 1797 522December 582 593 588 1763 621January 588 593 597 1777 1263March 585 598 604 1786 1351May 580 584 586 1750 1000June 584 594 594 1773 1285

Averages 586 594 596 1776 7401

No Easy or Hard Test Dates!Historic ACT Data 2007-2012

English Math Reading Science Total StudentsSeptember 27.6 26.6 27.0 25.9 26.8 485October 26.9 26.1 26.9 25.5 26.4 305December 26.6 25.7 26.3 24.9 25.8 246February 26.1 26.1 26.3 25.2 25.9 458April 27.0 26.1 26.1 25.3 26.2 653June 26.5 26.0 26.3 25.0 25.9 765

Averages 26.8 26.1 26.4 25.3 26.2 2912

What do I need to know about the tests

for colleges?

Trends

• Super-scoring the SAT and ACT• Taking multiple tests• Sending all scores (elite schools only)• Students taking (and sending!) both

SAT and ACT

Accommodations

• If you need them, APPLY. But start early. If you have to appeal, DO IT!!

Persistence is key.

Get More Information Online

Use the College Board.com site to see what the average applicant’s scores are and

how you measure up.

Prep for the SAT Subject Tests

• 3,000 + US colleges, roughly 100 use Subject Tests for admissions • How many to take: 2. Harvard, Georgetown, Princeton: 3• Timing: May and June are ideal, aligned with APs• Some schools accept the ACT as a replacement for the SAT+ SAT

subject tests: Yale, Brown, Penn, and Duke• Math 1: easier questions, harder curve.

Math 2: harder questions, easier curve, ideal post Pre-Cal.• UC Systems dropped Subject Tests for class of 2012 and beyond.• Starting in 2010, NYU will accept 3 SAT Subject Test scores in

non-language tests INSTEAD of the SAT or ACT

20% of schools Assign Considerable to Moderate Importance to SAT IIs

Admissions EssaysHow do I describe myself in 650 words or less?

College Admissions Essay

• The personal statement is the single most important essay most students will write in high school

• Students often need specific help with essay writing instruction

Why the Essay Matters

• Offers the student a chance to come alive as a human being and share something not found anywhere else in the application

• A well-crafted essay can turn an application reader into a vocal advocate in committee

For students on the margin, the essay can be a deciding

factor in admissions

Tips to Write a Better Essay

1) Write the essay only you could write.

2) Write in your own voice.3) Keep the scope narrow;

focus on a “thin slice” of life.

4) Be specific.5) Hook your reader. Use a

dynamic introduction or cut the intro altogether. Start in medias res.

For a full article on writing successful

essays, go to www.applerouth.com

Resources- Experts Corner- Jed Said- Writing

the College Essay

ActivitiesShould I join every club in school?

How Do Activities Factor into Admissions?

• Admissions officers look for continuity, depth, and contribution

• Doing the activity consistently over multiple years is key; do not switch every yearIt’s good to have involvement

beyond sports, if possible. Admissions officers are asking, “what will this student bring to

campus?”

Demonstrated InterestWhy should I go on college visits?

Demonstrated Interest May Improve Admissions Chances

• Interact with college admissions officers, even if you cannot visit their schools.

• Students from less academically sophisticated households may especially benefit from these meetingsDemonstrated interest is a

plus, but it’s not essential for low SES students

YieldD. I.

College Visits Demonstrate Interest and More

• Increases your motivation to apply• Informs your application (why

Oberlin?)• Helps you narrow your list• Provides a chance for an on-campus

interview

Interviews Demonstrate Interest

• Why Interview– Can help borderline students with admissions– Helps you get information about the school

• Interview Tips– Convey enthusiasm and interest– Have an answer to the question “Why our

school?”– Be prepared to ask questions– Always follow-up with a thank you note

Leveraging DiversityWhat does “diverse” mean to colleges?

Colleges Want Diverse, Balanced Classes

• The Admissions Office has directives from the Board of Directors to craft a class with: – Gender balance– Racial balance– Geographic balance

• You are generally competing within your own pool, which may help or hurt you. It’s easier to get into Boston College if you’re from Nebraska than if you’re from Boston.

Suggested TimelinesHow do I do the right things at the

right time?

Sophomore Year Timeline

• Take a challenging schedule, possibly with your first AP classes. GET INVOLVED with extra curricular activities.

• Oct: Take the PSAT. It’s practice this year, but if you score a 180+ you’ll probably want to do some prep before next year.

• Feb – May: Take your first mock SAT/ACT exams to determine which test you prefer.

• Apr – May: Look into summer programs. Internships, meaningful work experiences, enrichment camps, etc. could all help on college applications.

Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

PSAT

Feb Mar Apr May

First mock SAT/ACT exams

Junior Year Timeline (first half)

• Summer: Stay involved in extracurricular activities. Show consistency and depth.

• Aug: Take a challenging schedule. Add as many APs as you can realistically handle. Junior grades must be solid.

• Oct: PSAT. PSAT prep course if you are a potential National Merit Scholar or want to jumpstart SAT prep.

• Nov – Jan: Take first SAT or ACT. Prepare 8 to 12 weeks prior to scheduled test date.

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

PSAT

First SAT/ACT

Junior Year Timeline (second half)

• Jan – Feb: Register for spring AP exams (if schools don’t register the students).

• Dec – May: Explore financial aid/ scholarships/ grants for college.

• May – Jun: Take APs, SAT subject tests, ACT, SAT (prep courses as needed).

• Jun – Aug Make a college list and collect applications Begin applications/essays Set up interviews and college visits

Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Testing, Testing, Testing

Senior Year Timeline (first half)

• Summer: Stay involved in extracurricular activities. • Aug: Strong academic schedule. APs are ideal. Keep

grades solid.• Sep – Nov

SAT/ACT final push if neededMeet with your guidance counselor for application

advice Finish early applicationsOctober: ED deadlines

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Final SAT/ACT Tests for EA/ED, ED/EA Applications DueCollege Visits

Senior Year Timeline (second half)

• Nov – Dec: Complete remaining applications• Dec: ED responses arrive• Mar – Apr: Responses from colleges• May: Deposits due• Jun: Graduate and send final transcript to your

school of choice!

Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Yay!!

Dec Jan

Finish Apps

Our Services

• Tutoring and Test Prep for:– PSAT, SAT, & ACT– SAT subject tests– AP exams– High school classes– Study skills– Essay coaching

Visit www.applerouth.com

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